Polk County Government Florida
Due to Polk County’s rapid growth, the Northeast Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility is approaching its maximum daily flow faster than expected. Today the BoCC approved a $1.8 million engineering contract with Wright-Pierce, Inc. to expand the flow from 6.0 MGD to 9.0 MGD.
No your vision is not blurry and your eyes are not deceiving you. Starting yesterday afternoon and all day today the sun has been hidden behind a gray sky with what appears to be dense fog or smoke.
What you are seeing is definitely smoke but not smoke from a controlled burn or local wild fire. Would you believe the smoke is coming from over 2,000 miles away?
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, Smoke from a wildfire in Quebec, Canada, has traveled this way and is now settling over Central Florida.
According to the Environment Protection Agency’s AirNow map, Central Florida has “Unhealthy levels of air quality”. The AirNow air quality forecast shows that air quality across Central Florida may be dangerous, especially for anyone sensitive to particle pollution such as people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens. Floridians are advised to stay inside as much as possible today.
AirNow predicts the smoke should start to move out Wednesday and air quality will gradually return to normal.
On October 2, Osceola deputies arrested Joseph Rinaldi-Rivera for multiple counts of Possession of Photo/Video of Sexual Performance by a Child.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) of an incident regarding child sexual abuse material. Detectives with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit began an investigation into the incident.
On October 2, 2023, Detectives with the ICAC unit served an arrest warrant at 1121 Cobblestone Circle, Apt. F, Kissimmee, Florida, regarding this incident. The suspect was identified as Joseph Omi Rinaldi-Rivera, D.O.B. 11/06/2003. During a forensic review of the evidence obtained from the suspect, detectives located multiple videos and photos of egregious content of young children being sexually abused. Based on evidence obtained during this investigation, Mr. Rinaldi-Rivera was charged with ten counts of Possession of Photo/Video of Sexual Performance by a Child. Mr. Rinaldi-Rivera was arrested and booked into the Osceola County Jail with a $10,000.00 bond.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to serving our community and increasing public safety. To report a crime, please contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at (407) 348-2222
SEBRING — Trevor Jaime Reggie Manning, 25, has been charged with second-degree murder in the Sept. 15 shooting death of 21-year-old Michael Hilton Jr. in Avon Park.
Hilton’s body was discovered in the back yard of a home on A Avenue in Avon Park around 9 a.m. the morning of Sept. 15. Residents of the home told detectives they had heard multiple loud gunshots around 1 a.m. the previous night. It was not until they went outside the next morning that they discovered Hilton’s body.
The investigation revealed that in the hours before the 1 a.m. shots were heard, Manning and Hilton had been in an altercation not far from where Hilton’s body was found.
Evidence from the crime scene was able to be linked to an earlier incident where Manning had been seen with a gun in the area. On Sept. 26, Manning was arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in relation to that incident. He was still in jail when he was served with his new charges of second-degree murder and another count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call 863-402-7250, email [email protected] or leave a tip on the HCSO mobile app. Tips via the HCSO app can be anonymous.
You can also leave an anonymous tip with Heartland Crime Stoppers on their P3tips app or by calling 1-800-226 TIPS (8477), dialing **TIPS on your cell phone, or visiting www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and clicking on the “Submit A Tip” button. Crime Stoppers tips are always anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.
Note: Not all arrests result in convictions. Everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty in court.
PCSO Press Release
In response to your inquiries, here is the probable cause affidavit for the man who climbed up and onto the railroad crossing over the northbound lanes of Combee Road in Lakeland, causing CSX operations and Combee Road to be shut down for approximately 10 hours today.
His name is Tieshawn Edwards, DOB 8/7/1995, and I do not yet have a mugshot for him (he has been taken to a local hospital for a medical evaluation and has not yet been booked into the Polk County Jail – he did not appear to have physical injuries, but he did consume illegal narcotics and made suicidal statements in the presences of deputies and first responders).
Special thanks to Polk Fire Rescue, Peace River Center, Lakeland Fire, and Hillsborough County Fire.
PROBABLE CAUSE:
The suspect is identified as Tieshawn L. Edwards.
On 10/01/2023 at approximately 0439 hours, deputies were dispatched to the area of S. Combee Road and Hwy 92 (Lakeland, Florida) in reference a suspicious person. Upon arrival to the scene, deputies observed a male standing on the platform of the railroad crossing mast. Due to recent interactions with the subject, he was identified as Tieshawn L. Edwards.
Deputies made attempts to convince Tieshawn to climb off the crossing mast to which he refused. During the course of the investigation, Tieshawn refused to comply with lawful order to climb off the crossing mast to which he refused. By refusing countless lawful orders, Tieshawn resisted arrest without violence. While Tieshawn refused to comply with lawful orders, he began littering and tampering with evidence by throwing a plastic baggie onto the roadway. What initially appeared to be simple trash was determined to be a plastic ziplock baggie contacting a white in color residue. Based on my training and experience, the white color residue appeared to be methamphetamine. Utilizing a Q-tip, I swabbed the inside of the baggie and inserted the Q-tip into a #15 Narc test kit. The test kit indicated positive results for Methamphetamine. Also during this time, Tieshawn was exposing his penis in public in a vulgar manner and was witnessed by Polk County Fire Rescue.
During the course of the investigation, Tieshawn interfered with railroad signals and interfered with railroad track and other equipment. While Tieshawn was on the crossing mast, he removed a bolt from the stabilizer arm which would require repair. He also damaged wires for the flashing signals on the crossing arms. As a result, at least 4 trains were extremely delayed and disrupted normal operations on the track and normal operations of roadways in the area. Tieshawn was criminal charged for these offenses and issued citation #AI5ZZOE for obstruction of public streets.
Supervision requested the Polk County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. team respond to the scene to attempt and remove Tieshawn from the crossing mast as safely as possible and take him into custody. It should be noted that the crossing mast has an approximate height clearance of 30 feet. With the assistance of fire rescue trucks equipped with bucket ladders, four S.W.A.T. team members were lifted in the bucket ladder to physically secure Tieshawn. These dangerous measures performed by the S.W.A.T. members exposed them to personal injury. Once the S.W.A.T. member were able to physically detain Tieshawn he began resisting with physical violence and furthermore exposing the S.W.A.T. members to personal injury.
At approximately 1400 hours, member of S.W.A.T. team were able to safely secure Tieshawn and remove him from the crossing mast. Tieshawn was taken into custody and criminally charged with the following offenses:
-Interference with Railroad Signals (F/3) (2 counts)
-Interference with railroad track and other equipment (F/3)
-Tampering with Evidence (F/3)
-Resisting with Violence (F/3)
-Possession of Methamphetamine (F/3)
-Exposure of sexual organs (M/1)
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M/1)
-Culpable Negligence (M/2) (4 counts)
-Resisting with Violence (M/1)
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has temporarily closed South Combee Road between US 92 and Main Street near Lakeland.
At about 4:37am, deputies responded to the area in reference to a man suffering a mental health crisis.
The man climbed onto a rail road lighting structure that extends over South Combee Road.
As of 2:04pm the man has come down and he is in custody of authorities. It’s presumed the man will be evaluated for competency.
For his safety, as well as the safety of motorists, the roadway was closed off until deputies were able to talk the man down.
The Ridge Scenic Highway CME will host the 16th Annual “39 Mile” Yard Sale on Saturday, November 4th2023, from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm along the entire length of the Ridge Scenic Highway, (SR-17), from Haines City to Frostproof. Vendors are encouraged to reserve their space at one of numerous official sites as thousands of “treasure hunters” are expected.
In previous years, spontaneous vendors have sprung up all along the highway and area restaurants, shops, and service providers offer enticing “Yard Sale” specials throughout the day. The “39 Mile Yard Sale” was started in 2007, to encourage tourism in the Central Florida communities along the Ridge Scenic Highway, and to promote awareness of the natural beauty of the Lake Wales Ridge, an area of rolling hills and scenic vistas; including many historic sites and nationally recognized attractions.
Six Official Locations
LAKE HAMILTON:
Town Hall Grounds, 100 Smith Ave., Lake Hamilton, FL 33851
Angie Hibbard or Doug Leonard at 863.439.1910, [email protected]
DUNDEE:
Dundee Methodist Church, 219 Merrill Ave., Dundee, FL 33838
Deanna Spence, 863.224.0371, dcs710@yahoo.com
LAKE OF THE HILLS
Community Clubhouse, 47 E Starr Avenue., Lake Wales, FL 33898
Denise Hinshaw 863-521-3348
LAKE WALES
The Freedom Tour 451 Eagle Ridge Drive, Eagle Ridge Mall
Contact Melissa Hilligoss at 863-247-3256 or [email protected]
LAKE WALES:
Lake Wales Woman’s Club, 275 E. Park Avenue, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Teka Collier, 863.455.6641, [email protected]
FROSTPROOF:
Downtown, 11 E. Wall St. at SR 17
Frostproof Chamber of Commerce – Angel, 863.635.9112, info@frostproofchamberofcommerce.com
Questions? contact Jennifer Nanek, President/City Clerk, City of Lake Wales 863-678-4182×1254 [email protected]
Visit the Ridge Scenic Highway Facebook page, www.ridgescenichighway.com and www.visitcentralflorida.org
Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office on 9/24/23 arrested a Lake Wales man in connection to a domestic complaint of Attempted Murder, Kidnapping and Aggravated Assault. During the arrest the suspect was also charged with Resisting Arrest Without Violence, Resisting Arrest With Violence, Aggravated Assault On Law Enforcement Officers. The man, Seth Garrett Hawkins, DOB: 9/27/97, was involved in a physical altercation with a female victim at a residence on Jennings Fish Camp Rd. in Lake Wales.
According to the PCSO arrest affidavit Hawkins and the victim got into a verbal and physical altercation over an argument about an upcoming trip. The victim was reportedly taking a shower when the argument with Hawkins escalated to a physical confrontation. According to the affidavit on the victim got out of the shower and was intentionally grabbed by Hawkins against her. Hawkins then allegedly grabbed a camouflage shirt and began to wrap it around the victim’s neck. At this time the victim began gasping for air. Hawkins reportedly held and kept the shirt wrapped around the victim telling her feel free to leave. Hawkins began to tell the victim he was going to kill her. Eventually Hawkins lessened his grip and the victim fell to the floor.
During the entirety of the attack. Seth was recording himself on a cellphone. Deputies viewed two separate videos of the incident both approximately one and a half minutes in length.
The first video depicts Seth holding the victim to the floor of the bathroom with the shirt wrapped around the victim’s neck while he is nude sitting on the toilet. Shortly into the video. Seth states we both finna die in this bitch! Throughout the first video the victim can be seen periodically gasping for air and barely moving.
The second video depicts Hawkins continuing to keep a tight grasp on the shirt around the victims neck and tells the victim to say “I brought this upon myself.” The victim then states “I can’t breathe my head hurts” then Hawkins reportedly repeats “I cant breathe.” The video is then ended by Hawkins facing the camera to his face and stating “everybody is going te die today.”
Below is an excerpt from a supplementary affidavit regarding the taking into custody of Hawkins by Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies. This is a redacted, but unedited version of the affidavit:
“On September 24, 2023, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to the address of REDACTED Jennings Fish Camp Rd, Lake Wales, FL, in reference to a suspicious incident. PCSO Lieutenant Kenneth Hill #4935 and D/S Bryan Mixon #4648 arrived dressed in their agency-issued Class B uniform with 5 point star badge and an affixed Polk County Sheriff office patch on each shoulder, and made contact with the victim, REDACTED, who was involved in a domestic violence incident.
While speaking with REDACTED outside the residence, the suspect, Seth Hawkins (W/M 09/27/97), stepped outside as well. Lt. Hill went inside the residence with the victim and D/S Mixon stayed outside in order to separate the victim and suspect for further investigation. While investigating Mr. Hawkins became irate and loud in a verbally aggressive manner. Lt. Hill stepped back outside to assist D/S Mixon with detaining Mr. Hawkins. In an attempt to detain Mr. Hawkins for further investigation, Mr. Hawkins pulled away aggressively and began to run away from D/S Mixon and Lt. Hill. Units chased Mr. Hawkins down the road and behind REDACTED Jennings Fish Camp Rd, where Mr. Hawkins tripped and immediately got back to his feet taking a fighting stance. Lt. Hill then took Mr. Hawkins to the ground. While attempting to secure, a struggle ensued due to Mr. Hawkins, striking both Lt. Hill and D/S Mixon in the head with his fist as well as using his feet and knees to strike the units. Mr. Hawkins continued to resist by attempting to bite Lt Hill, potentially causing great bodily harm. Mr. Hawkins also reached for Lt. Hill’s firearm grabbing a hold of the handle but was unsuccessful at removing the firearm from the holster. Mr. Hawkins also grabbed a hold of Lt. Hill’s radio and removed it from its location on his uniform, temporarily depriving him of communication with other units Lt. Hill was able to gain back control of his radio. During the struggle, Mr. Hawkins threatened to kill both Lt. Hill and D/S Mixon. D/S Mixon sustained a contusion on the left side of his head from Mr. Hawkins striking him in the head, as well as a minor laceration to his left arm.
Additional units arrived and Mr. Hawkins was secured and received medical attention for minor injuries.
• A criminal history query was completed on Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Hawkins was previously convicted on 11/15/2019 on three counts of battery LEO and one count of resisting with violence.
Based on the above-described facts , probable cause exists that Mr. Hawkins violated F.S.S, 784.07(2) (C)
(Aggravated assault on LEO), 843.01. (Resist officer with violence) 843.02 (Resist officer w/o violence), 843.025
(Deprive officer means of communication/protection), 777.04(1) (Attempted deprive law enforcement of communication/protection. and 88.02 13(8 corrunt or threaten law enforcement)
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has temporarily closed South Combee Road between US 92 and Main Street near Lakeland.
At about 4:37am, deputies responded to the area in reference to a man suffering a mental health crisis.
The man climbed onto a rail road lighting structure that extends over South Combee Road.
For his safety, as well as the safety of motorists, the roadway is closed off until deputies are able to talk the man down.
We will update as more information is released.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
UPDATE TO FATAL HIT-AND-RUN CRASH IN FORT MEADE LAST EVENING
The driver who struck and killed 9-year-old Andres Martinez was located late last evening and has been booked into the Hardee County Jail. He will be transferred to the Polk County Jail at a later date. I do not have a mugshot for him.
His name is Gilbert Almaguer, DOB 1/14/1978, of 604 Avon Street, Bowling Green.
Here is his affidavit, and it is self-explanatory:
PRB_CAUS
On 09/29/2023 at approximately 1659 hours Polk County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a vehicle verse a bicycle crash located on Hutchins Road east of Kristen Loop East. Evidence recovered at scene, along with video recovered indicates that a 2016 -2019 Chevrolet Silverado was eastbound on Hutchins Road. Pedestrian/ Bicyclist Andres Martinez, H/M 10/27/2013, came out of his driveway onto Hutchins Road heading eastbound to a friend’s house. The right front corner/ center of the Chevrolet impacted the rear of the bicycle. Upon impact Martinez was ejected and landed approximately 50 feet east of the area of impact. The driver, of the vehicle continued eastbound fleeing the crash site.
Parts were recovered on scene that come back to a 2016 to 2019 Chevrolet Silverado. Video was recovered from nearby residence on Hutchins Road west of the crash scene, which shows a red Chevrolet pickup eastbound just prior to the crash location. Video reviewed show there are no other vehicles that match the suspect vehicle. The driver/vehicle did not stop to render aide or never called 911 to assist Martinez. Martinez was pronounced deceased on scene by Polk County EMS.
A witness called and advised she observed a red Chevrolet matching the description southbound on SR 17. The vehicle had red what appeared like a K in the back window.
At approximately 2231 hours, Gilbert Almaguer called Hardee County Sheriff’s Office to advise he was a passenger in the vehicle that struck Martinez. Almaguer advised the vehicle was registered to his mother and located at his residence.
Hardee County Sheriff’s Office along with Bowling Green Police Department responded to 604 Avon Street and made contact with Almaguer and the red Chevrolet pickup. Hardee County Sheriff’s Office notified the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at which time members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene.
Upon arrival I met with Deputies with the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office and observed a 2016 red Chevrolet Silverado in the back yard of 604 Avon Street. The vehicle was enclosed with crime scene tape. Detective Ralph Marshall of the PCSO traffic Unit walked up to the vehicle with pieces from the crash site. He visually inspected the vehicle and he observed that several of the pieces recovered from the crash site match the damage on the vehicle at this location.
I met with Almaguer at his residence and met with him. Almaguer was willing to speak to me about the crash and of his own free will went to the Bowling Green Police Department, which is located a short distance from his residence. Almaguer told me that a Hector Ramirez was driving his vehicle when the crash occurred. Almaguer stated that after the crash Ramirez drove to Bowling Green and then got out of the vehicle close to a set of railroad tracks located at East County Line Road and Central Avenue. After this occurred Almaguer got back into the driver seat and drove to his residence at 604 Avon Street. Almaguer stated that he did not know what Hector Ramirez hit and thought maybe it was a mailbox or post. He knows Ramirez but did not know exactly where he lived or had a phone number for him.
Almaguer stated that he let Ramirez drive because he was tired and knows that he does not have a valid license. During the entire interview Almaguer stated that he was not driving. He stated Ramirez was driving and his was the passenger.
After the interview was over Almaguer asked if he was free to go and wanted to return to his residence. Almaguer was taken back to his residence as requested. I remained on scene at the residence while a search and seizure warrant was being obtained for the vehicle that Almaguer was operating. While standing on Avon Street away from Almaguer’s residence he approached me and stated he need to talk to me. Of his own free will Almaguer stated that he was the driver of the vehicle and he is the one that hit the kid. He stated that he was sorry and just got scared. He explained that the kid came out of nowhere and he did not mean to hit him. Almaguer confirmed that no one else was in the vehicle with him and he was the sole occupant operator at the time the crash occurred. Following the crash he immediately came home and later after seeing on Facebook that a 9 year old boy died he called Hardee County Sheriff’s Office to report the incident.
Based on the before mentioned facts and evidence there is Probable Cause to believe that Gilbert Almaguer was in violation of the following Florida State Statue.
316.027 (2)(C) – Leaving the scene of a crash on public or private property without rendering aid (involving death), a first degree felony
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